Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get my child involved in the West Salem Hockey Association (WSHA)?
A: While the season starts in late October, you can join anytime during the season. Visit www.westsalemhockey.org or contact any WSHA Board Member. You may also try our Learn to Skate program.
Q: What is Learn to Skate (LTS)?
A: Learn to Skate is an opportunity for children age 4-12 to learn ice skating with trained instructors. LTS is free and will be held on upcoming dates in November 2017 . Registration is required. Get more information on the Learn-To-Skate program.
Q: My family has no experience playing hockey. Why should our children play?
A: Ice hockey is an extremely exciting game. It combines agility, artistry and teamwork that appeals to every child. Lifelong skills are developed while maintaining physical fitness and friendships along the way. WSHA offers Learn to Skate and a Transition to Hockey program for newcomers.
Q: How old does my child have to be to join?
A: WSHA offers skating opportunities for all children up to age 14. While most players begin at a relatively young age, they are never too old to start. We offer multiple programs to get your child up to speed.
Q: How do I register for West Salem Hockey?
A: You must first register with USA Hockey (USAH), click here to register or visit USA Hockey.
Youth age 6 and under are free and youth age 7 and higher are $40 for USAH and $10 for the Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association (WAHA). Once you have filled out the info for USAH you will be given a registration code. You will need this to register with West Salem Hockey.
When you arrive at the West Salem Hockey Association (WSHA) home page click on “Login” in the upper right corner. You should create a login if you do not already have. Be sure to save you login and password for future use. Once you have a login you can click on the “Register” button in the Upper right corner. Follow the steps to complete the registration process.
Q: I heard hockey is really expensive. Is this true?
A: This is one of the largest myths associated with the sport. WSHA has the lowest fees in the area. Equipment can be obtained for little or no cost from other members or Craigslist. Play It Again Sports is another relatively inexpensive option. Like any other sport, our teams travel to local associations to play games. Typically, one out of town tournament is played annually for Squirt-Bantam levels. Hockey expenses do not differ from most other youth sports.
Q: How much does it cost to play West Salem Hockey?
A: The first year is free. The Learn to Skate Program is always free and a great way to introduce your child to skating and hockey. Returning families from the Mite level and above will pay the lowest fees for hockey in the area. Current registration fees are available on the Registration page.
Q: What is required of me as a Parent of a WSHA player?
A: First year skaters and Learn to Skate families there is no requirement. As a volunteer organization, WSHA encourages families to get involved and help. Being involved is a great way to meet others in the association. Second year skaters and experienced families are required to complete work hours throughout each season. Each family is required to complete 20 hours of work related to WSHA. Eight of those hours must be for fundraising. The remaining hours can be obtained by participating in numerous activities including throughout the season; rink maintenance, cleaning, score-keeping, working concessions, coaching, taking on parent rep role, helping at fund raisers, attending general membership meetings, etc.
Q: What is ADM?
A: ADM is the American Development Model established by USA Hockey. This curriculum is based on cutting-edge childhood research and recognizes maximum development occurs through age-appropriate structure and content. WSHA has adopted the ADM. During practices, players are often divided into small groups and rotate through multiple stations focusing on “FUNdamentals.” Skill development is accelerated as every child is provided multiple repetitions while having fun at the same time. This model has proven to be very successful with our skaters. For more info on the ADM, click here.
Q: What are the different age groups and levels of hockey?
A:
- “Learn to Skate” or “Termite,” age 5 and under. Generally this group but it is also for any new skaters just learning to skate. Advanced skaters may also play in the next level.
- “Mites,” age 6-8. This level practices the ADM concept exclusively and also participates in up to 6 “Jamboree’s” against other teams throughout the season. All games are “cross ice” where the rink is divided into 3 sections.
- “Squirts,” age 9-10: At this level skaters first begin full ice practice and games. Positioning becomes more of a focus, yet the ADM concept is still predominately used.
- “Peewees,” age 11-12. At this level full ice continues. The ADM concept is still incorporated into skill development.
- "Bantams," age 13-14. Body checking is now allowed at this level.
- "High School," age 15 and up. The high school program is operated through the school district and is sanctioned by the WIAA, not through the West Salem Hockey Association.
Q: What kind of expenses does WSHA have?
A: People are often very surprised at how much it costs to operate a hockey association. WSHA needs financial support to continue to support the partnership with the West Salem School District. WSHA contributes annually to a portion of the utilities for the facility. Other expenses include referees for all games and payments for non-parent coaches. We are grateful to our sponsors and volunteers who allow us to maintain our operations, without their support we wouldn’t be operational.
Q: How does WSHA generate funding?
A: Besides registration fees, WSHA holds several fundraisers throughout the year, not just during the season. In October we volunteer at the La Crosse Speedway for the Oktoberfest Races. In November we have our annual calendar sales where all second year and on families are required to sell calendars, calendars include entry into a monthly raffle for cash prizes. In June we volunteer during June Dairy Days and run the beer tent. In August we host our annual "Slap Shot Golf Outing." During the season receive donations from local businesses who display “signs” at the rink as sponsors to our association. And who doesn't enjoy the concessions during game days? All of these fundraisers take volunteers like you to make them happen!
Q: How does WSHA promote itself?
A: In addition to our website, WSHA is on Facebook. Brochures are available at many local businesses as well as the West Salem Elementary School. We partner with the West Salem Park & Rec with information in their Fall/Winter brochure. Our best promotion is word of mouth from our wonderful members, sponsors, donors and community members.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Board of Directors.